Surgical Shaft Electrical Coupling for Vessel Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical systems lack effective methods for accurately determining the presence and characteristics of blood vessels in the surgical field during minimally-invasive procedures, leading to potential vascular damage and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system that electrically couples a light emitter and a light sensor at the distal end of a tubular shaft to the remainder of the system, using conductors extending radially outward from the inner surface of the shaft, allowing for real-time detection of blood vessels without complicating the surgical instrument design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light emitters and sensors are integrated at the distal end of a tubular shaft for real-time vessel detection, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions light emitters and sensors at the distal end of a tubular shaft, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the shaft to achieve real-time vessel detection during minimally-invasive procedures. This spatial arrangement allows optical components to be integrated along the length of the instrument without compromising surgical access or detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular shaft structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the surgical instrument, houses conductors for electrical coupling, and positions optical components (light emitters and sensors) for vessel detection. This multi-functional integration reduces overall system complexity while maintaining detection capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If conductors are disposed radially outward of the inner surface of the tubular shaft, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the inner space available for other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tubular shaft wall structure to accommodate conductors disposed radially outward of the inner surface. This segmentation allows conductors to be integrated into the shaft wall without interfering with the inner space, facilitating easier manufacture while preserving component placement flexibility.
3Reliability
If surgical systems include vessel detection capabilities, then reliability of surgical procedure is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs light emitters and sensors as intermediary components that detect blood vessels through optical interactions with tissue. These intermediaries provide vessel detection information to the surgical system without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex imaging systems, thereby improving safety while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables accurate and real-time identification of blood vessels, reducing the risk of vascular damage and associated costs, while maintaining the integrity and design of the surgical instrument.
Implementation Method 1
Systems and methods that identify artifacts, and in particular vessels, in the surgical field during a surgical procedure
Implementation Method 2
a light emitter and a light sensor disposed at the distal end of the tubular shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system includes a tubular shaft having a wall defining an outer surface and an inner surface disposed about an inner space, the tubular shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The system also includes a light emitter and a light sensor disposed at the distal end of the tubular shaft, and one or more conductors electrically coupled to the light emitter or the light sensor. The one or more conductors extend from the distal end of the tubular shaft to the proximal end of the shaft, and are disposed radially outward of the inner surface of the tubular shaft.